Open Access to Publications and Research Integrity: Keys to Research Excellence in Europe and Globally

"Open Access to scientific publications and good practices in research (Research Integrity) are at the heart of the discussions that are taking place today in Brussels among high-level representatives of the European scientific community. Some 85 European experts from national research councils, research performing organisations, universities, academies and stakeholder initiatives have been invited by Science Europe to attend the European Regional Working Group meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC). The meeting aims to prepare the European contribution on the two fundamental topics of Open Access and Research Integrity for the next GRC summit, planned for 27-29 May 2013 in Berlin. Next year’s Summit – the second of the newly-established GRC – will be jointly organised by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific  and Technological Development (CNPq) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The aims will be to agree on an action plan for implementing Open Access to publications and to endorse a ‘Statement of Principles on Research Integrity’ at global level. 'Open access to scientific publications means readers will no longer encounter financial, legal or organisational barriers to high-quality academic articles. We believe that by increasing access to knowledge the impact of research and its ability to tackle societal challenges will increase', said Stephan Kuster, Head of the Policy Affairs Unit at Science Europe.  'At the same time, the societal benefits of research fully depend on the responsible conduct of all parties involved in the research process; this is why integrity in research is essential too', he added. Science Europe is co-ordinating the meeting as  part of its mission to support the work of its Member Organisations and promote co-operation between them and other European partners, contributing to important global issues for science and research. Science Europe comprises 50 Research Funding and Research Performing Organisations from 25 countries, representing around €30 billion per annum. It was founded in October 2011 with the aim of promoting the collective interests of members and providing them with a platform to collaborate at both policy and activity level..."